The current study was undertaken by the Sociology Department of the University of Stellenbosch and the Cape Metropolitan Council (CMC) to support spatial development within the Cape Metropolitan Area (CMA).
At the time, Cape Town faced considerable challenges affecting the outcome of its urban undertaking. These challenges centred on (1) outside migration and its impact on the local economy, delivery needs and the spatial structure of the city; and (2) internal population movements, especially those associated with the informally housed population and the more settled poor. These trends had potential outcomes which were difficult to predict accurately and carry the threat of upsetting the delicate planning models, which were being introduced. Housing delivery for the disadvantaged sectors of the CMA population was falling further behind as informal occupation of land and informal housing continued to spread and proliferate (CMC, 1997a). Housing lists were not moving, and land invasions continued to take place. This study tried to address the uncertainty around inside and outside migration in relation to settlement, and to contribute to the refinement of the CMA's spatial planning and implementation initiative.